Lilias accompanied Archie to London as he was summoned there to meet with his London financial advisors concerning certain monetary investment dealings. They again would stay at their London estate while in the city for a few days. Archie months before had the locks to the estate changed and ordered servants there not to allow his brother Neville Craven to reside there nor even let him in. All seemed to follow orders, but there was one who had what you might call a bit of a soft spot for Neville and allowed him entry one afternoon as Lilias was alone there whilst Archie was at a meeting.
Lilias descended the staircase taking care to watch her step glancing down at her feet. When she looked up after reaching the bottom, she was shocked to come face to face with Dr. Neville Craven.
"Neville!" Her musical voice cracked a bit as her heart seemed to stop and freeze in fear suddenly.
"Lilias, you are looking well." He grabbed her hand to kiss it with an almost villainishly smug look upon his face. He seemed to relish in the fact that he was able to gain access to the interior of the residence.
"I hoped so very much to see you again. Might we enter the parlour? You must hear me...hear my confession."
"Neville, I don't think..."
"I beg you at least allow me this! I must speak with you." He pulled her hand to walk to the parlour.
" Please, sit." He used a proper yet ungenuine gentlemanly tone.
Lilias wanted to speak to remind him that he was no longer welcomed there, but the words did not come to her. Only her fear of any impending action by Neville began to engulf her.
"That night months ago...In you and my brother's eyes, it seemed unbelievably despicable, reprehensible, and caddish behaviour. But, know this. I cannot hide that ever since I laid eyes on you, I was overwhelmed with passion for you. I love you! I loved you since that first day! I can't help but ponder with each passing day that had you met me before Archie, would it have been me you would have chosen. Lilias, I can show you what is true passion and desire. I take this risk at confessing now in hopes that you will open your heart to me now."
"Neville, you mustn't say these things to me! If I have ever given you any reason to believe that such a proposition would be accepted, I most gravely and sincerely apologise..."
Neville interrupted, "You have not, but I could no longer hold back my own feelings...I needed to take this risk."
"I love Archie with every fiber of my being-with my whole body and soul. I could never and will never love anyone else."
"You are so pure and innocent, Lilias. Perhaps it is that you know nothing of true pleasure. So...you enjoy making love to-engaging in sexual intercourse-with my crippled brother?" The gentlemanly talk totally vanished in one abrupt instant with those words. "Perhaps that question was a bit rhetorical. Tis not even a question, really. I have it on good authority that you give yourself to him frequently and very willingly. He must please you."
Lilias was frightened at the path of conversation. Her eyes seemed that of a startled fawn. Tears of fear were brimming.
"We love each other truly. No one else loves like we do. Our love transcends anything of this earth. Archie does please me-in every way you can imagine. Blissfully so. We know elysium." She mustered the strength to answer beautifully.
Neville continued, "Ah! How poetic! But...I continue to believe that were I your husband, you would have your son-the child you long for-by now. There, I've told you. I repeat directly to you words Archie himself overheard."
It took all of Lilias's grace and composure not to slap Neville across the face in that moment even in her fear of him, but she knew such an act might lead to a more violent or dangerous reaction on his part.
"Leave...this...house...now." She spoke quietly and slowly. Then grew louder, "Neville, I beg you if you have any respect for me! Perhaps, you never have."
He tried to touch Lilias's face, but she recoiled.
"Be not afraid, Lilias, you unearthly creature. I have not come to force myself upon you against your will, only perchance you would accept and delight in my advances. Perhaps, in some other sphere or universe, you might love me-and with your body, passionately desire only me. Sweet, saintly Lilias, forgive me. I bid you good day."